My prot Pally tanked up to somewhere in the mid 50's, then I just solo leveled to 72. The last time I tanked was literally the day before all the changes happened to the Plaugelands. I would like to start tanking again, but I'm not real excited about getting all the "You suck as tank" spam. So my question is what would be a good dungeon to run for a while that I can relearn to tank? I want it to be hard enough where I do have to pay attention to what is going on, but if I mess up it isn't an immediate party wipe. If anyone is interested in looking, here is a link to my tune on WorldOfWarcraft.com Hamnd

What I had done when I took a break from tanking is go in a lower level dungeon that I know I can solo and practice in there for a bit. Things like pulling, positioning, etc. I found it to be the best way to get back into the groove of tanking and get the confidence to start tanking the dungeons around my level. This way you don't run into those "you suck" parties.

I've also found that a lot of people tend to be more forgiving toward tanking mishaps if you mention at the beginning of the run that you did pick up tanking again and that you're a bit rusty, and to please forgive you. Sort of breaks up the air for angry messages a bit (but don't get me wrong, you'll sometimes have that ONE person that just wants to get things done and doesn't care about your crappiness).

As far as gear goes as a tank you will want strength/stam gear with damage mitigation secondary stats (dodge, parry, block, and eventually mastery). Hit rating and expertise will also help by helping you hit more and in turn generate more threat.

I think the best way to get into tanking again is to go into a dungeon with a healer and duo it. You will learn very quickly how to grab hate on everything so that your precious life giver does not eat the dust. I recommend a Discipline Priest for this, and have them Smite heal on a mob that you are not attacking.

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Rhodekylle wrote:

In a world where studies show marriages now run into trouble after three years, it is probably to be expected that games lose their enchantment at least as quickly.

Paladin tanking is, unfortunately, pretty boring, except for having to keep track of some buffs. The best way to learn something is by doing it (well, actually, the best way to learn something is by teaching someone else to do it), so my advice to anyone wanting to try something would be to go ahead and try it.

Hammer of the Righteous for multiple targets, Crusader Strike for single targets.

Avenger's Shield whenever it's ready.

Consecration when you feel like you can afford the mana cost or when Inquisition is up.

Shield of the Righteous when you've got three Holy Power and preferably when you've got the Sacred Duty buff up.

Word of Power (heal) when you've got three Holy Power and you're taking more damage than the healer can handle.

Judgement whenever it's ready.

Holy Shield whenever it's ready.

Use other defensive cooldowns as you see fit.

Those are the basics of Paladin tanking from what I remember. I haven't tanked much since I stopped playing (obviously), but if you can execute that list of abilities, you'll be better than most of the Paladin tanks I've come across in the game.

I know that this thread was started a long time ago and is likely no longer relevant to the OP, but now it's out there.

Edited, Mar 23rd 2012 6:42pm by Mazra

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